Research Clusters
Shaping the psychology of cities. Sharing the knowledge to build healthier urban futures.
Our research is organised into three core themes that address critical challenges facing cities today: Urban Mental Health & Well-being, Behavioural Urbanism, and Resilient & Inclusive Urban Futures. To deepen our understanding of how cities impact human experiences and to inform practical urban solutions, we have developed research clusters within each thematic area. These clusters explore key aspects of urban life, from the psychological impacts of urban environments to innovative strategies for creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities. Our research aims to generate actionable insights to guide urban planning, policy, and practice.
Urban Mental Health & Well-being
Environmental Design for Mental Health
This cluster explores how urban design elements—such as noise control, green spaces, housing quality, and access to nature—affect mental well-being. It aims to identify urban design strategies that mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression in city environments.
- The impact of urban noise, air pollution, and lack of green spaces on psychological health.
- Designing cities that foster a sense of calm, safety, and community connection.
- Biophilic design in urban spaces and its psychological benefits.
- Evaluating the effects of public spaces and parks on stress reduction and mental health outcomes.
Social Determinants of Urban Mental Health
This cluster examines how social factors like inequality, community cohesion, and social networks influence mental health in urban populations.
- The role of social isolation, segregation, and lack of community support in urban mental health.
- Mental health challenges for marginalized urban populations (e.g., refugees, homeless populations).
- Social integration strategies for improving well-being in diverse urban contexts.
- The relationship between urban violence, crime rates, and mental health outcomes.
Urban Health Interventions & Policy
Focusing on practical strategies, this cluster investigates mental health interventions tailored to urban environments.
- Developing urban health policies integrating mental health services into city planning.
- Community-based mental health initiatives for urban settings.
- Urban resilience and coping mechanisms to promote mental well-being.
- The effectiveness of mental health infrastructure in cities (e.g., access to healthcare facilities, urban social programs).
Behavioural Urbanism
Urban Design and Human Behaviour
This cluster investigates how urban design elements shape behaviours and social interactions in cities.
- How street layouts, public spaces, and transport systems influence social behavior.
- The psychological effects of design elements such as public art, lighting, and signage.
- Behavioural impacts of mixed-use vs. single-use developments.
- Human-scale urbanism: how environments influence individual and collective behaviours.
Urban Mobility and Behavioural Change
This cluster explores how urban transportation design and technology impact residents’ behaviours and mobility patterns.
- Understanding commuter behaviour in response to different transport infrastructures.
- The role of active transportation (e.g., walking, cycling) in urban health and behavior.
- Impact of technology and innovation on mobility behaviors (e.g., smart transport systems, ride-sharing).
- Urban design interventions to encourage sustainable and active mobility behaviours.
Behavioural Economics in Urban Planning
Using principles from behavioural economics, this cluster studies how urban policies and design influence economic behaviours.
- Applying behavioural nudges to urban policy for encouraging sustainable behaviours.
- How urban design can influence resource consumption, waste management, and conservation.
- Behavioural insights into how citizens perceive and react to urban policies (e.g., zoning laws, taxation, public health campaigns).
- Behavioural strategies to improve public participation in urban planning and decision-making.
Resilient & Inclusive Urban Futures
Adaptive Urban Planning for Climate Resilience
This cluster focuses on urban planning strategies that enhance resilience to climate change.
- Designing cities that are resilient to floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
- Climate adaptation policies and green infrastructure (e.g., rain gardens, permeable surfaces).
- Urban farming, green roofs, and other strategies for enhancing environmental resilience.
- The role of urban design in reducing the carbon footprint and improving climate resilience.
Equity and Inclusion in Urban Transitions
This cluster examines how urban transitions (e.g., sustainability, gentrification) can be inclusive and equitable.
- Urban gentrification and its effects on vulnerable communities.
- Ensuring that sustainable and climate-resilient urban development is inclusive.
- Social policies that promote equity in urban transformations.
- Empowering marginalized communities to participate in urban planning and development.
Technological Innovation for Inclusive Urban Futures
This cluster explores how emerging technologies contribute to more inclusive, adaptive cities.
- Leveraging smart city technologies for more inclusive urban development.
- The role of digital platforms in fostering equitable access to urban services.
- How urban technologies can help respond to public health crises, climate change, and social issues.
- Building digital infrastructure that enhances inclusivity and resilience in urban settings.